The novella “Ogres” by Adrian Tchaikovsky was published for the first time in 2022. In 2023, it was published as part of the anthology “Terrible Worlds: Revolutions” as well.

Torquell is a lovable rogue who usually gets into minor trouble and gets off with light punishments, especially since he’s the son of the village headman. However, even he knows he must behave well towards the ogres, as the Masters are nicknamed, because breaking their laws means very serious punishment.

Despite knowing the consequences would be severe, Torquell loses his temper when the local landlord’s son treats him like a common underling and reacts by hitting him. His father tells him to go into the woods to let the situation cool down and that he will settle the matter with the Masters. However, when Torquell returns to the village, he discovers that the ogres have killed his father as punishment.